Achieving Career Excellence: A Guide to Undergraduate Career Services at the Foster School of Business

The University of Washington's Foster School of Business is dedicated to ensuring its undergraduate students achieve remarkable career success. The EY Center for Career Advancement plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, providing comprehensive support and resources to guide students toward their professional aspirations.

Impressive Post-Graduation Outcomes

The Class of 2024's achievements underscore the effectiveness of Foster's career services. An impressive 92% of graduates secured employment, pursued graduate studies, or engaged in other planned opportunities within 90 days of graduation. These graduates have successfully launched careers in diverse fields, including technology, finance, consulting, marketing, supply chain management, public accounting, project management, and human resources.

Foster graduates not only find jobs quickly, but they also start off with impressive compensation. The Class of 2024 experienced a substantial $76,000 average salary increase. Moreover, a remarkable 97% of 2024 graduates completed internships by graduation, providing them with invaluable practical experience and a competitive edge in the job market.

Comprehensive Career Resources and Services

The EY Center for Career Advancement offers a wide array of resources and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of undergraduate students. Whether students are preparing for their first internship, seeking a full-time position, or considering graduate school, the center provides personalized coaching, skill-building workshops, and exclusive employer connections to foster success in today's demanding business landscape.

Personalized Career Coaching

One-on-one coaching empowers students to define their individual success and develop a strategic plan to achieve it. The coaches help students make informed decisions that align with their personal and professional values. Students have the opportunity to:

Clarify goals and priorities
Build a long-term vision
Navigate key decisions and transitions

Coaching is available for a variety of topics, including:

Resume and cover letter refinement
Portfolio development
Targeted job and internship search strategies
Overcoming professional roadblocks

Skill-Building Career Workshops and Training

Flexible, skill-building resources are available to boost career readiness. Workshops are designed to support ongoing growth throughout the program, catering to both independent learners and collaborative environments. Mock interviews simulate real-world hiring situations, enabling students to refine their communication and problem-solving skills in a low-stakes environment.

Interview formats include:

Behavioral (experience-based)
Functional (skill-based)
Case (consulting-style)
Technical (role-specific)

Participants gain:

Direct feedback from industry professionals and career coaches
Realistic interview scenarios
Greater competence and confidence

Networking and Employer Connections

Exclusive access is provided to connect with Foster alumni and employer partners both on- and off-campus, allowing students to build their network and explore career paths.

Opportunities to engage and learn include:

Networking mixers and coffee chats
Industry-focused career fairs
Industry panels and speaker series
Employer-hosted campus events and site visits

Alumni Mentorship Program

One-on-one guidance from Foster alumni helps students navigate careers and industries. Mentorship provides deeper insight into industry trends, leadership paths, and decision-making strategies, and is a personalized relationship focused on long-term growth.

Mentorship benefits include:

Career planning and goal setting
Industry insights and role exploration
Feedback on applications and interviews
Professional growth and networking tips

Career Treks and Employer Visits

Immersive career exploration experiences are available across top business hubs. These curated visits introduce students to a variety of roles, functions, and company cultures in key cities and help them determine if relocation aligns with their goals.

Recent trek locations include:

Read also: Funding for Foster Students

Seattle
New York City
London
Paris

Each trek includes:

Behind-the-scenes company access
Candid conversations with leadership
Exposure to workplace culture and regional ecosystems
Meaningful professional connections

Handshake Job Board

A powerful recruiting platform, Handshake, enables students and alumni to find internships and employment opportunities and connect with employers.

Handshake can be used to:

Search and apply to current postings
RSVP to employer events and career fairs
Book 1:1 appointments with career coaches
Set alerts for new roles in areas of interest

Group Coaching Programs

Collaborative support is available to help students stay focused and energized in their career journey. These facilitated small groups provide structured space to share challenges, reflect on progress, and learn from peers across degree programs.

Small groups are available for:

Peer mentoring
Structured accountability
Shared job search momentum

Cohorts span programs to foster community and broaden perspectives.

Additional Resources

Meet 1:1 with a Career Coach: Schedule year-round appointments in-person or via Zoom for resume building, interview prep, and internship/job strategy.
Drop-in Coaching: Quick 15-minute sessions with Peer Career Coaches are available during academic quarters.
On-Demand Tools: Access templates, recorded workshops, and guides anytime via the Foster Undergraduate Canvas page.
Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Read stories of current students and their career journeys.

Foster School Facilities

The Michael G. Foster School of Business is primarily located on the north end of the University of Washington Seattle campus. The Eastside Executive Center in Kirkland, Washington, houses the Foster School’s Technology Management MBA program.

Key facilities include:

Founders Hall: The Foster School’s new privately funded facility is a model of sustainable construction, collaborative learning, and community building.
Dempsey Hall: A 65,000 square-foot building that includes new classrooms, student team rooms, an executive forum, direct entry to PACCAR Hall, and the BAEC. Dempsey Hall earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver level certification.
Bank of America Executive Center: This center houses the offices, classrooms, and lounge spaces for the Executive Education and Executive MBA programs for the Foster School of Business.
The Eastside Executive Center: Located in Kirkland, Washington, this center is home to the Foster School’s Technology Management MBA program.
PACCAR Hall: A 135,000 square-foot building that embodies the business school’s focus on leadership development, strategic thinking, and collaboration. PACCAR Hall offers a combination of U-shaped tiered classrooms, meeting spaces, a 250-seat auditorium, student breakout rooms, faculty offices, a soaring atrium with a café, and a boardroom. It is equipped with a wide range of technology enhancements, including Web-linked digital monitors and distance conferencing capabilities.
The Foster Business Library: Accessible from PACCAR Hall, the library serves the students, faculty, and researchers in the Foster School of Business, as well as students and researchers from other parts of campus requiring business information and research assistance.

Integrating Career Readiness

At Foster, career readiness is integrated into the student experience from day one. The dedicated Career Services team offers personalized coaching, hands-on workshops, and exclusive employer connections to help students clarify goals, build skills, and land meaningful opportunities. Whether students are exploring paths, seeking internships, or preparing for their first job, the Career Services team is there to support every step of the professional journey.

Alumni Success Stories

Members of Foster’s extensive global alumni network of over 60,000 are making a significant impact across various industries. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for current students, demonstrating the possibilities that a Foster education can unlock.

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